Mr billionaire's regret chasing his irresistible wife by Gabby Emmanuel

Focusing on the future.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"I didn't know how to tell you," I said softly. "It wasn't something I hid on purpose. I was afraid of how the academy might react if they found out I was pregnant. I wasn't sure if they would still accept me." Dwayne's expression grew somber, his eyes filled with a mixture of understanding and disappointment.

"Even me?" His voice was calm but carried a weight that made me feel small. "Arielle, we are friends. I know I have no right to demand anything from you, but you could've at least told me. I'd never rat you out, not if you were afraid of that."

I looked down, "I'm sorry. I really did think of telling you, but... I didn't know how you'd react. And honestly, what could you have done? You're not a doctor, and you're not a woman who can relate to pregnancy."

He shook his head gently, his voice unwavering. "You don't give me enough credit. I would've done anything to help you. You know I would've been there for you. Hell, I wouldn't have even gone on that trip if I knew." He paused, a small sigh escaping his lips. "What would you have done if I had already boarded that plane?"

The thought sent a chill through me. I hadn't let myself consider it before, how isolated I truly was without my family nearby. If Dwayne hadn't been there... I would've been helpless.

"You're right," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I really don't know what I would've done. I'm sorry..."

He let out a small breath, the tension between us lifting slightly. "It's fine," he said, offering me a reassuring smile. "But honestly, how did you even manage to keep a pregnancy hidden for nine months?"

I chuckled, relieved at his change in tone. "Tummy wraps, flowy dresses, all sorts of tricks to conceal the bump. I couldn't risk losing the scholarship."

"Women are something else," he said, his eyes widening in disbelief. "I give it to you."

soft knock on the door broke our moment. "Come in," I called, my heart fluttering as the nurse

perfectly healthy," she said with a kind smile, before turning to

He looked down at the tiny bundle,

cradling him with such tenderness, stirred something deep inside me. It wasn't a comparison-I hadn't meant to-but for the first time in a long while, I thought about Jared. My ex-husband. I hadn't thought about him in months, not like

the sharp pang

was no anger, no lingering sadness. Just a strange calmness. Maybe, just maybe, this child would

loved him, and

back to me, and as I cradled him once again, a sense of hope swelled within me. This little boy didn't need to be defined by his absent father.

I whispered, holding my son close. "For everything. I don't know how

don't need to thank me. You don't owe me anything, Arielle. I'm just glad you and the little

smile tugged at my lips. "If there's anything I can do

gravity. "Careful, don't make promises you don't mean," he teased gently. "Especially in front of a

in the room

he said, giving me a cooler,

only sound being the gentle coos from my son. But then, Dwayne's voice broke through, softer now. "Speaking things

something I've been meanine

g to ask.

really." His voice was measured, as